by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 27, 2019
After trainer George Morris last week lost a bid in arbitration to reverse his lifetime ban from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association announced yesterday it is removing the trophy bearing his name from the International Hunter Derby.
It’s ironic, since the former U.S. show jumping coach was involved with inception of the hunter derby concept. But as Mary Babick, USHJA president noted, “It is time to step up and no longer tolerate inappropriate behavior and to emerge as a safer and altogether more positive environment for our people and our horses. We should have zero tolerance for cruelty and abuse whether of horses or humans. Victim shaming and blaming is never acceptable.”
Morris, 81, received the ban for “sexual misconduct involving a minor” in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Babick’s statement continued, “As an organization, the USHJA is committed to safety and fairness for our members. Our sport produces many positives for our participants. Horses bring horsemanship, sportsmanship, empathy and teamwork into our lives. But let’s face it, whether it is the treatment of horses or people, we also have dark corners of the sport. As a sport and a community, we can and should be better.”
She added, “The USHJA supports the mission of SafeSport. Our support does not make us deaf to the questions raised by many members concerning some of the processes utilized by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.”
USHJA also will re-name its Hunterdon Cup equitation competition, since Hunterdon was the name of Morris’ nationally known stable in New Jersey.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 26, 2019
Making things better for horses: Doesn’t everyone who is involved with these special animals want to see that happen? But the Rutgers Equine Science Center translates the desire into action. The research with which it is involved makes a difference in the well-being of horses and in turn, those who have dedicated their lives to them, whether for sport, work or pleasure.
The Center, funded by public and private contributions, also promotes best management practices that pay off in horse health and benefits for the environment– as well as recognizing those who have made contributions to the industry.
Dr. Michael Fugaro receives the Spirit of the Horse award from Rutgers Equine Science Center Founding Director Karyn Malinowski as Amy Butewicz,, co-chair of the leadership bord, looks on. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Center’s purpose was highlighted this month in New Brunswick during its Evening of Science & Celebration, where the keynote presentation dealt with research related to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding) in horses. The talk was delivered by Professor Ken McKeever, who holds a doctorate in animal physiology from the University of Arizona.
He is involved in researching a new drug, a Type-5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE 5), that could be an alternative to furosemide (Lasix), extensively used in racing, ostensibly to counteract respiratory bleeding. The company that put up $1.4 million for the research doesn’t want to go public at this point, and the name of the drug isn’t being revealed, since there is more research to be done.
However, the professor said, “It’s very promising, where things are going. The bottom line is that it’s a drug that reduces pulmonary artery pressure, the pressure that may be causing the capillaries to break. The next step is to see if it can actually prevent bleeding.”
After that, “It has to go to field trials and other questions the FDA (federal Food and Drug Administration) may ask,” noted the Center’s associate director of research.
He explained, “The controversy that’s out there is that Lasix (administered to bleeders on race day) doesn’t work very well. It doesn’t stop bleeding. It’s mixed as far as reducing the severity,”
The professor added, “It’s controversial, because it enhances performance.” He pointed out that in a study of 22,000 thoroughbred racehorses, the ones that were on Lasix won a greater percentage of the time.
“The best thing is to have a drug that works and doesn’t enhance performance,” he noted.
With his research into the unnamed drug, “We’re showing it has the potential to work and doesn’t affect the markers of performance.”
One of its pluses is the potential for giving it 24 hours out from a race. In most states, Lasix is administered four hours before the race.
The center’s executive director, Karyn Malinowski, cited the pressure on racing with all the breakdowns that have made headlines over the last year. She believes at some point, same-day medication will be banned “which would make this drug even more useful.” Discussing the prospect of a drug that can be given 24 hours out, she commented, “To me that’s really exciting as we continue to come under scrutiny of administering medication on race day.”
Ken McKeever called Lasix administration “the biggest controversy right now, other than the breakdowns.” He added scientific studies “strongly suggest Lasix enhances performance.”
As he pointed out, “If you lose a substantial amount of weight, you’re going to enhance performance,” and weight loss is one of the effects of using Lasix, a diuretic.
In addition, he said, it’s an alkalizing agent, functioning in the same way as a milkshake. (The milkshake used in racehorses involves several ounces of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in a gallon of water.).
“It changes the acid base status of a horse,” the professor stated.
“When you exercise really hard, people going for the burn (are) working their anaerobic side of the system. Anaerobic metabolism generates a lot of acid and so you get more acidotic. The way to counter that is by the body’s natural buffers or an alkalizing agent,” said Ken, who mentioned Lasix has a function like a milkshake.
If a horse is tested to see if it has been dosed with a milkshake, an allowance is made in the results if the animal has been given Lasix, he noted.
According to a report by veterinarian Sid Gustafson, writing about the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s hearing on race-day medication, Lasix alkalinizes horses. “The more Lasix, and the closer it is administered to the race, the more intense the alkalinization effect of Lasix.”
He reported that creates, “a competitive metabolic advantage similar to milkshaking, rendering the drug Lasix a clear and present doping agent. Lasix has significant potential to alter and enhance racehorse performance.”
Other research presented at the Evening of Celebration and Science included a study by 4-H members Skylar cooper and Morgan Wordleman, offering a little scientific drama (very cute) on whether home-made fly spray or pharmaceutical fly spray is more effective. The pharma version won. Another presentation on warm season grasses by Jennifer Weinert was part of a work in progress. The next step in the research involves the effect different grasses have on horses with metabolic conditions, such as Cushing’s Disease.
Mark Mullen and the 600-acre Fair Winds Farm in Upper Freehold Township received the Gold Medal Horse Farm Award. Although it has 40 trotting and pacing mares on the property and consigns yearlings to the Harrisburg sales, this award was presented for dedication to environmental sustainability and management. Fair Winds was cited for a number of protocols, including a well-maintained manure storage area, following state guidelines and beautiful vegetative buffers around its waterways.
Carey Williams, equine extension specialist, with Mark Mullen of Fair Winds Farm and Karyn Malinowski. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Spirit of the Horse Award, presented to someone who has made a difference for horses, went to Dr. Michael Fugaro, who has a veterinary practice in Long Valley and was recognized for his “lifelong commitment to horse care and education.”
“I was a kid who grew up in Cherry Hill, N.J., and wanted to be a small animal veterinarian,” Michael told his audience after accepting the award.
Taking a step toward pursuing his ambition, he made a cold call to a veterinarian whose name he found in the phone book.
” I’d never seen a horse or touched a horse,” recalled Michael, who remembers that Dr. David Meirs, a well-known large animal vet and Standardbred breeder, answered the phone himself.
“I said, I don't know anything about horses, but I want to go to vet school.' So he said, `Come and work with me for the summer. We’re going to halter-break babies and muck stalls,'” Michael recalled.
“We–I did that, he didn’t do that,” Michael chuckled, but that job made a difference in his life.
“It was somebody like that who just took a random cold call and offered that mentorship and guidance. I’ve tried to emulate that, I think, through my career,” he said.
“I’ve always enjoyed getting involved with the Rutgers Equine Science Center. They’ve been so supportive of allowing me to give my two cents when students would like to learn or hear what I have to gab on about,” he continued, saying when that happens, “I always think back to my start.”
Want to get involved with what the Equine Science Center has to offer? Next up, starting Jan. 21, is Carey Williams’ 14-week online equine nutrition course, which can be taken by barn managers, horse owners, trainers, feed sales reps or anyone who wants to know more about feeding their horses. To register online, go to https://ce-catalog.rutgers.edu/coursedisplay.cfm?schID=78458. For information, call 848-932-9271.
On Feb. 9, the Center’s annual in-person horse management seminar in New Brunswick will focus on race horse/sport horse care and rehabilitation.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 19, 2019
The prediction from knowledgeable sources was that reining would be dropped from the FEI (international equestrian federation) ranks when members of the organization met this week at their General Assembly in Moscow.
So much for that…
After more than 20 years of cooperation, which produced some of the most exciting moments in World Equestrian Games’ history, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announced a new agreement has been reached with the FEI. It was approved today by the General Assembly for the organization’s only western discipline.
“I am so proud of our NRHA Task Force that worked diligently with the officials at FEI to come to a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). All of these individuals have focused on our mission to promote the reining horse. Although each organization has different needs, we were able to meet those needs and agree on a path forward,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock.
“This MOU provides more clarity, and the conversations have brought about better understanding. This agreement preserves the progress we have made over the last two decades, provides a means to develop more joint competitions, and protects the heritage of both organizations!”
In an attempt to ensure that reining is moving forward in a sustainable way, key Performance Indicators have been put in place for the next four years aimed at growing participation in the discipline.
Details of the agreement and its potential impact on the NRHA membership will be revealed in the near future as implementation plans are finalized.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 17, 2019
Dianna Babington, the wife of injured show jumper Kevin Babington, is reaching out for more help sorely needed by her husband. He has been in rehab for a critical spinal injury he suffered when his horse fell in competition during a show at the end of August, but he will be leaving the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation soon and even more responsibility will fall on Dianna and the couple’s teenage daughters, Marielle and Gwyneth.
Kevin, who finished fourth in the Olympics for Ireland in 2004, is a lovely fellow who is based in Allentown, N.J., during the spring, summer and fall, and Florida during the winter.
Think what you would do if you found yourself in the Babingtons’ position, with a situation estimated to cost $5 million, the need for constant care and a health care plan that only allows for 30 visits a year from a nurse!
It is the time of year when people are considering donating to charities that offer a tax deduction, and Kevin’s cause is a good one.
Here’s Dianna filling in the details of the situation:
“The Kevin Babington Foundation, a 501 c3, was organized by our very good and generous friends who are also riders and trainers. Tax-deductible donations via check may be sent to the Kevin Babington Foundation, 2402 Players Court,Wellington FL 33414. (To obtain bank instructions for wiring money, send an email to Debbie Welles at the kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com. All information will be shared through the email address in order to keep the wire information secure.)
“There has been a lot of fundraising,” said Dianna.
“It has come mostly from the heart of our amazing horse community and every dime of that money has been and will continue to be allocated carefully. However, the result of Kevin’s accident has been categorized as a $5 million problem and I’m starting to understand what lies ahead.
Note: Sissy Wickes has started a separate fund to buy a van for Kevin. Find details at https://bit.ly/35emLX9
Dianna continues: “We are going to need major funds raised to modify our house in Florida. Unfortunately, as it is now, most of it is completely impassable by a wheelchair. I am in the middle of an emergency bathroom renovation because our time at Kessler is coming to a close.
“Without the use of his arms. Kevin is going to need a care giver through most of the day. Overnight is actually more critical. Many don’t know this but he needs to be physically moved every two hours during the night every night. A bed sore can literally be life threatening. He needs to be weight-shifted all day to deal with blood pressure issues. He can not be alone, period. We have all taken shifts since the accident and he has never been alone yet.
“The girls and I are prepared to help but we can’t do it all. I need to go back to work at some point. Our insurance covers 30 visits from a nurse a year. Isn’t that terrible and he had a “good policy”.
“So I am reaching out on his behalf. The upfront costs are huge. He will need some physical therapy equipment. I have seen what the electric stimulation bike has done for his body mass. They are approximately $22,000. We need to get one. He will need to continue out-patient physical therapy, which is also not covered by insurance for long.
“Once major changes are made, then the needs will transition to long term healthcare and nursing. I have been asked, `What about people who don’t have these things? How do they manage?’
“The cruel truth is that the lack of support can affect life expectancy. Lack of mobility is a blood clot’s best friend. Someone not noticing a a few key issues can lead to a spike in blood pressure and a stroke. It’s not just the paralysis; it’s the lovely issues it creates. That is the reality. It’s my problem and nobody else’s, I understand that, but if you are looking to put money into a 501 c 3, please consider a donation to the foundation. And if not us please consider Danny and Ron’s Rescue. They, too, are overwhelmed and work tirelessly and we also don’t want to shift any money from them despite our own needs.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 16, 2019
So much for the FEI World Equestrian Games. For the first time since the compilation of world championships debuted in 1990, the WEG will not be held in its next calendar rotation in 2022.
Italy and Saudi Arabia were the only bidders for the WEG, but instead of awarding it, the FEI at its annual meeting in Moscow today wisely decided to break up the concept which had become too expensive and unwieldy.
So Italy gets eventing and driving at Pratoni del Vivaro (where those world championships were held in conjunction with the 1998 Rome WEG), while Herning, Denmark, gets show jumping, dressage, para dressage and vaulting.
Individual show jumping medalists Martin Fuchs, Simone Blum and Steve Guerdat on the podium at the 2018 WEG, likely the last one ever held. Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer
A decision on the reining and endurance world championships is pending, waiting for word about the future of those disciplines in the FEI.
The good news is that Omaha, which successfully hosted the FEI dressage and show jumping World Cup finals in 2017, will get them again in 2023. That choice is well-deserved. It will be nice to have the Cup finals back in the U.S. so soon after the 2020 edition in Las Vegas.
Leipzig, Germany, gets the 2022 Cups in dressage, jumping, driving and vaulting. WEG aspirant Saudi Arabia had to settle for the 2024 World Cup finals in jumping and dressage.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2019
Patricia Duffy Murphy was always an elegant presence, beautifully turned out whether in a formal gown at Madison Square Garden for the National Horse Show; riding her favorite horse, Sean, with the Spring Valley Hounds, or while welcoming guests to her home at Spook Hollow Farm in Bedminster, which traditionally has hosted the Essex Fox Hounds’ opening meet each season for 40 years.
But more important, she was a warm person with a quick smile, who made sure you knew she was glad to see you. That’s how we’ll remember Patricia, who died Wednesday at age 89, surrounded by her family, the focus of her life.
Patricia Murphy with her daughter, Karen, in 2012 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation. (Photo © 2012 by Nancy Jaffer)
Patricia, the widow of U.S. Equestrian Team President Vincent B. Murphy Jr., was always there for her six children: Vince Jr., Patricia Stuebe; Michaela (Mikey) Hoag, a former grand prix show jumper; Dan, Karen, who is the joint master of the Essex Fox Hounds, and Kevin, who died in 2013.
Born in Germantown, Pa., Patricia graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Eden Hall and attended Pratt Institute in New York City. Patricia was one of the first women invested with the American Sovereign Military Order of Malta. She was also a long-time supporter of the Summit Speech School and the Midland School.
She was known for her devout faith, kindness and high moral standards. Oma, as she was affectionately called by her 20 grandchildren and Grand Oma by her 11 great-grandchildren, was the glue that kept the Murphy family together. Every child and grandchild spent holidays at the farm, where they felt her love, warmth and support. Family was paramount in her eyes and she instilled that deeply across the generations.
Like her late husband, Pat suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, which inspired Mikey to become involved in raising funds for research into this devastating condition. She started an organization called Part the Cloud, which works with the Alzheimer’s association, raising money for early stage human trials to find a drug that can slow, stop or ultimately cure Alzheimer’s.
The organization has had 39 trials around the world, with applications from 29 countries. The idea is to get a drug on the market as fast as possible, Mikey said. It took seven years to raise $30 million, which includes a $10 million donation from Bill Gates. She hopes that by April, another $30 million will be raised.
Mikey has staged Silicon Valley fund raisers every other year featuring celebrities performing pro bono, including Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffet, Chris Isaac and Idina Menzel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to Part the Cloud at alz.org/partthecloud or the Countryside Alliance of the Somerset Hills (https://greatnonprofits.org/org/countryside-alliance-of-the-somerset-hills).
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 13, 2019
Jane Gilbert’s contributions to New Jersey’s equine industry were eclectic and embracing, from eventing and showing, to thoroughbred racing and breeding.
She was all about being involved, leading the way for so many organizations while serving as president of the New Jersey-Bred Hunter Association, the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board, ReRun Inc. and the Horse Council of New Jersey.
In addition, she was involved in organizing the old Essex Horse Trials, had been secretary of the Horse Park of New Jersey and was a U.S. Equestrian Federation “R”-rated judge in the hunter, jumper and hunter equitation divisions.
So it was a shock and a tremendous loss when word arrived that Jane died Nov. 4 after a short illness. The 73-year-old Pennington resident gave freely of her time to insure a safe and useful future for former thoroughbred race horses.
Jane was a former president of the multi-state ReRun thoroughbred adoption group, but in 2012, she and Laurie Lane, its former executive director, decided to narrow the scope of what they were doing to concentrate on New Jersey.
“ReRun was focusing more on New York, we were already doing a lot of work at Monmouth Park,” Jane said at the time, so the women decided, “Why not become a whole new entity?”
The Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption & Placement program took off just a few months after its founding and is still going. Second Call’s mission is to find new careers for the racehorses, who are evaluated for soundness and potential, then re-acclimated and retrained.
Laurie Lane, and Jane Gilbert of Second Call with thoroughbred breeder Eileen Munyak of Millstone. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Lane)
“She was a visionary. She brought the horse community together,” said Laurie Lane, noting Second Call will continue because, “I’m sure Jane wouldn’t want it any other way. Jane’s legacy will live on in the work we do. We’re going to keep fighting the fight and make sure these thoroughbreds have a place to go post-racing.”
Karyn Malinowski, director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, knew Jane since 1965, when she was president of Karyn’s “Boots and Saddles” 4-H horse club.
“The New Jersey horse industry owes Jane much for her decades of dedicated service,” said Karyn.
“She opened many doors for all of us with wisdom and humor. Just an amazing person and top notch horsewoman,” stated Dan and Nancy Wolek of Millstone Township.
Survivors include Jane’s husband, Charles Gilbert, and her sister, Laurie Bradshaw. Those who wish to make donations in her name may do so to Second Call at https://sctap.com. A tribute to Jane is planned for the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event at the Horse Park of New Jersey in May.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 6, 2019
Eagala, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, will receive $637,700 to fund services shown to improve mental and emotional health of veterans and service members across the United States.
This funding, provided by the Veterans Administration Adaptive Sport Grant (ASG), will serve veterans and military service members through September 2020. It will cover equine-assisted psychotherapy – where horses are involved in focused, professional clinical interventions to address trauma and other mental health needs, including substance abuse, depression and improving family relationships.
This was one of the largest awards in recent history, with just under half of the $1.5 million specifically designated for equine-assisted mental health within the ASG’s full budget. The organization’s recent grant funding from the VA has nearly tripled, thanks in part to clinical outcomes showing extremely positive results.
The funding will serve veteran and military individuals or groups in partnership with Eagala’s national network of Military Designated Programs across the country. Eagala Military Designated programs have facilitation teams of licensed mental health professionals and certified equine professionals who work in partnership with horses to provide services.
The Eagala Military Designation was created as a way of setting and maintaining the standard of clinical training and cultural competence required to effectively work with military populations in a mental health setting. There are currently 19 programs in the U.S. that have earned the Eagala Military Designation, and CEO Lynn Thomas expects that number to grow rapidly.
“Eagala is proud to be the only equine-assisted mental health organization in the industry to put forth and maintain these critically important clinical and cultural competence standards,” Thomas said. “This grant will enable us to grow our programs providing this effective approach serving veterans.”
Halina Kowalski, Eagala military services director, will oversee its management and coordinate collective outcome-based projects in collaboration with Eagala Military Services programs. According to Kowalski, “Very early preliminary program evaluation outcomes from last year’s ASG-funded programming are showing that veterans are experiencing a clinically meaningful reduction of PTSD symptoms and their quality of life is significantly increasing as well. We are expecting to see this trend continue and we have plans for future research projects and publication.”
Data is showing that this population is more likely to start and complete treatment with this model than with traditional therapy in an office.
Veterans who want to receive services or find out about participating in Eagala Military Designated programs can contact 228522@email4pr.com. A detailed listing of Eagala Military Designated Programs can be accessed at http://eagala.org/military.
Since 1999, Eagala has set the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. With over 500 regional programs, and more than 2,500 certified members in over 40 countries, it is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs. For more information, visit eagala.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 6, 2019
Kevin Babington’s wife, Dianna, shared an exciting update today about the New Jersey-based Irish show jumper, who suffered a critical spinal cord injury in a fall during a competition at the end of August. He is being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange
“Yesterday he was able to feel my hand when I held his right hand. He also managed to generate slight movement in his right elbow which is not spasm or shoulder-generated,” Diana stated on Facebook.
“What might seem to be a minor achievement, to me is like an open gate to a road that was once completely impassable. My understanding is hand and elbow are generated from nerves below the site of injury, C6 C7 C8–I believe is hand, I could easily be wrong–but it’s definitely below where the contusion is.
“So my deduction is this shows connection from brain to below ‘the traffic jam’ at C3C4. This has given me hope. Today is the first day I have actually enjoyed looking at fall leaves while driving my daughter to the dentist, I actually noticed them.”
She added, “Tears have been from joy instead of frustration and sorrow. I am afraid to be happy, but I can’t help clinging onto this small moment in such a long process. Kevin was so happy to demonstrate this for us and I could see in his eyes he was lifted in his spirits. He has been so amazingly strong and brave to date.
“I am in amazement of his personal fortitude. He never breaks. He just takes each day like a champion and speaks of returning to horses. If you are a doctor and feel the need to correct my analysis, please don’t. I have swallowed so much negative information I’ve had enough to last a lifetime. Let us have this moment because it is the boat we are clinging to in this storm. We believe, and so does he, that he will recover. We must believe it or we have nothing. Please keep praying and sending positive energy. I think it matters.”
On barn night at the National Horse Show, members of the Kevin Babington Fan Club showed their support. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Meanwhile, the shows at Ketcham Farm in Allentown, N.J., where Kevin Babington has been based, will offer a special fundraising opportunity for Kevin’s foundation each day of every horse show in its series, starting with Nov. 16-17,. The judge will be on the lookout for a rider who exemplifies good horsemanship and they will be the winner of the “Ride of the day”. It will cost a $20 donation to the Babington Fund to enter. Prizes will be awarded.
The other dates for the Ketcham shows are Dec 28-29 and in 2020, Jan 11-12, Feb. 1-2, Feb. 29-March 1. The hunters will go on Saturday and jumpers on Sunday. there is a huge indoor arena with GGT footing and the same footing is in the outdoor schooling area.
The board of directors of the Kevin Babington Foundation is accepting donations.
To obtain bank instructions for wiring money or an address to which checks can be mailed, send an email to kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com. All information will be shared through the email address in order to keep the wire information secure.
Be sure to make it clear who is making the donation when you send a check or money wire so organizers can keep track of contributions. All donations are tax deductible.
“We will continue to update everyone about our long term goals for the KBF,” organizers stated.
“Last but not least,” they said, “we’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who are supporting Kevin on his journey towards rehabilitation.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 2, 2019
One of New Jersey’s greatest assets for equestrians is the Rutgers Equine Science Center, where research and education have a home at an institution addressing horse industry issues and challenges.
To be part of the process, attend the center’s “Evening of Science & Celebration” on Thursday Nov. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at the Cook Student Center in New Brunswick. The evening is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center.
Who goes to this annual gathering? Equine professionals, horse owners, farm owners, barn managers, educators, students, 4-H members and other equine enthusiasts. Those attending can do some social and professional networking while learning about current projects and research at a center that addresses horse industry issues and challenges through science and research.
This year’s keynote presentation will highlight research about the effects of performance-enhancing practices on the physiological responses of the equine athlete, and offer information about an alternative to Lasix for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). That condition is seen most in racehorses, but also affects horses in other sports requiring strenuous exercise for short periods of time, such as polo, barrel racing and three-day eventing,
The talk will be presented by Dr. Kenneth McKeever, a professor in Rutgers’ Department of Animal Sciences, and associate director of research at the Equine Science Center, part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
His research has focused on comparative exercise and cardiovascular physiology, while looking at the effects of aging on the integration of the cardiovascular, renal and endocrine systems in controlling blood pressure and blood volume, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance.
The evening begins with dinner, followed by a presentation comparing the effectiveness of a natural homeopathic organic-style fly spray with a commercial-based pharmaceutical-style fly spray. Pasture research also will be updated.
Dr. Michael Fugaro of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services in Long Valley will receive the 2020 “Spirit of the Horse Award” for his lifelong commitment to horse care and education.
“Dr. Fugaro is most deserving of this award because of his dedication to the care and well-being of horses, the education about horse health to horse owners and his demonstrated leadership to the veterinary community,” said the center’s director, Dr. Karyn Malinowski.
“The Spirit of the Horse award represents the commitment that I have to the horse and the equine community, and I am honored to be considered alongside other dedicated professionals who have previously received this award” said Dr. Fugaro, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He is president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners and a member of the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement.
The Center will also present its annual Gold Medal Horse Farm award to Mark Mullen and Fair Winds Farm. The award, part of the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program, gives recognition to outstanding equine farms for their dedication to environmental sustainability and management. Fair Winds is a 600-acre boarding and breeding facility in Upper Freehold Township. It maintains a broodmare band of trotting and pacing mares, whose offspring are primarily sold at the Standardbred Horse Sales Company’s annual “Harrisburg Yearling Sale” in Harrisburg, Pa.
To register for the event, go to http://bit.ly/2019Evening . The fee, which includes dinner, is $35 for adults and $15 for full-time students.
For additional information, contact the Equine Science Center at (848) 932-9419 or Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.
